Authors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 2012

Abstract

It is well recognized that as baby-boomers age and people live longer with chronic conditions, the need for long-term care ("LTC") services will increase nationwide.1 Given the costs involved in providing such LTC services, reforming policies related to LTC finance has been the topic of much public debate.2 Additionally, major efforts in recent years have been dedicated to "rebalancing" America’s LTC delivery system in favor of greater access to home and community-based care options.3 Meaningful discussion of how to address the looming LTC problem should be well informed by an understanding of the numerous state and federal laws affecting how LTC services are currently financed. In this article, we seek to provide such a foundational overview of the current policy landscape affecting LTC funding in Idaho.4 Because many aspects of LTC finance are influenced by the laws and demographics of the particular state at issue, the specific policy landscape will vary from state to state. We also discuss potential alternatives to current policies and review major commentaries regarding LTC finance policy. While our focus is the policies affecting LTC in Idaho, our overview should be of utility in other states as well, particularly other states in the Mountain West region with population demographics similar to Idaho.5

Publication Information

Hyer, Andrew M.; Hannah, Elizabeth L.; Burkhart, Ross E.; and Toevs, Sarah. (2012). "Paying for Long-Term Care in the Gem State: A Survey of the Federal and State Laws Influencing How Long-Term Care Services for Idaho’s Growing Aged and Disabled Populations Are - and Will Be - Funded". Idaho Law Review, 48(3), 351-389.